Generator Hybrid Car Question

by Ray
(San Diego, CA)

I'm building a generator hybrid car, but have not found anywhere on how to connect the generator to the drive train.

I have read a lot of post about using PFC chargers in line with the generator, but I don't see how even at @50 amps, I could be energy free from the battery pack at average load. Am I missing something here?How would I use a 15KW to 25KW generator to extent the range equal to fuel on board for a 144 DC system? Is it even possible on a DC system?

Hi, Ray -No batteries, is that the plan? Or do you just want a generator as a range extender?

If you're interested in building a series hybrid, the generator doesn't attach to the drive train. It attaches to the battery pack. That's all. A parallel hybrid is a different thing, and a synergy-drive hybrid is another thing altogether (see Toyota Prius for synergy drive; ).

I think what you may be missing is the wall plug. Folks who build do-it-yourself hybrids (sorry, range-extended electric vehicles) are not using the generator exclusively to charge their batteries, but are only using a small generator (5kw, not 25kw) to add miles to their range. At the end of the day, they're plugging in and charging up, like every other EV driver out there.